It looks like at least one more time Antigua and Barbuda will again have to wait for the World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitration decision in its dispute with the U.S. over online gambling. As the decision was suppose to be handed down Friday, December 14th, Gretchen Hamel of the U.S. Trade Representative’s office said,
“We understand the report has been delayed.”
It was back in April of 2005 that the WTO ruled in favor of the small Caribbean nation saying that the U.S. law allowing for only domestic companies to have online horse-racing services was discriminatory against foreign companies who want to offer the same service. Of course, since then the U.S. has gone one step further passing the UIGEA in October of 2006.
Antigua and Barbuda claim was for $3.44 billion stating that its online gambling industry, built to replace diminishing tourism revenue due to frequent hurricanes in the past few years, has been crippled by the U.S. stance on online gambling.
It is also seeking permission from the WTO to suspend copyright protections on American movies, music and software to it can begin exporting those products to the U.S. and other markets.
The United States counter offered this $3.44 billion stating the nation was only entitled to $500,000.
Mark Mendel, the attorney for Antigua was told that the WTO was finalizing the report and that it needed translating. He told the Guardian Unlimited that,
“They’ll let us know on Monday precisely what day to expect it.â€Â
Not only is Antigua and Barbuda awaiting the decision but the European Union is in negotiations with the U.S. also and its deadline passed Friday too. Japan, Australia, Canada and other nations are also looking into their own compensation negotiations as well and this decision will go a long way to help push these talks on.
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